Today, October 22nd, is National Nut Day.

The nut, in botanical terminology, is a type of fruit that consists of a hard shell and a seed, and in which the fruit doesn't open, freeing the seed.

The term "nut" is used rather more broadly when it comes to food. It is used to refer to a large number of dried seeds that are not actually nuts. For example, almonds, walnuts and Brazil nuts are not actually nuts. Peanuts certainly aren't - they are actually a type of bean.

Culinary nuts can be prepared in many different ways. They can be eaten raw, or cooked, salted, roasted and pickled, as well as being added to other food.

Whatever you consider to be a nut, today is its day.

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